What will my working hours be like?
Several months on board, followed by long periods of free time – the working hours of seafarers are probably the biggest difference from a conventional job. Many people appreciate the advantages: Where else can you plan a holiday for several months at a time? If the long absence from home doesn’t appeal to you, you can still “sign on”: tugboats and ferries travelling in coastal waters generally have more traditional working hours.
How physically fit do I need to be?
A prerequisite for training in maritime shipping is fitness for sea service. This includes, for example, good hearing, vision and intact colour discrimination. We differentiate between fitness for deck service and engine service, which is usually certified for two years in each case. You may find more information on fitness for sea service at https://www.deutsche-flagge.de/de/maritime-medizin/seediensttauglichkeit
What makes life on board so special?
Nothing is as international as global maritime shipping. The crew members come from many countries. The multicultural background enriches everyday life on board. All seafarers worldwide are united by a passion for shipping.
What languages do I need to know?
The on-board language in maritime shipping is English. But bear in mind: Nobody’s perfect! Your basic knowledge from school is sufficient for your first assignments. You will then quickly learn the maritime terminology from everyday life on board.
What kinds of ships are there?
Whether XXL containerships, feeders (the “little brothers” of the big container giants), tankers, bulk carriers, general cargo ships, car carriers, passenger ferries, cruise ships or harbour tugs – the world of maritime work is as diverse as the ship classes. There is something for everyone. Find detailed descriptions of the different ship types and the tasks on board at: www.machmeer.de/infos-fuer-azubis/schiffe (please note: website is in German.)
What about safety?
The top priority on board is “Safety first”. A high level of safety in commercial shipping is guaranteed by numerous national and international maritime laws and regulations, which are regularly updated. For example, the SOLAS Convention regulates exactly how many lifeboats must be on board a ship, or how dangerous cargo must be handled. Of course, safety-protection clothing and regular fire and lifeboat drills are also part of a seafarer’s daily life.
What skills do I need?
Whether you work in the engine room, on the bridge or on deck: Anyone who goes to sea should have an interest in technology and not be afraid of “hands-on” work such as derusting or painting. By the way: As a ship mechanic, you will receive comprehensive basic training that will enable you to specialise in nautical science (ship navigation) or technology (ship engines) later – depending on what you enjoy more.
How do shipping and climate protection go together?
You want to help protect the climate? Then shipping is the right place for you! Hardly any other industry tackles the issue so consistently. The entire industry aims to be carbon-neutral by 2050. To achieve this, the shipping industry is gradually switching to clean fuels, alternative propulsion technologies and digital innovations for more environment-friendly ship operations.
What can I earn on board?
Seafarers are tied to their workplace 24 hours a day. That’s why they earn more than their colleagues in comparable jobs on land. The wages of a ship mechanic in the first year after successfully completing their training is around 3,900 euros per month. By comparison, a trained construction mechanic earns around 2,500 euros.
What are the career prospects?
Skilled labour is as high in demand in maritime shipping as it is elsewhere. The opportunities for training and continued employment are better than ever before. The promotion opportunities are also excellent. Anyone who wants to can have a career in maritime shipping and, after serving some time on board, pursue a career ashore, e.g. as a pilot, inspector, trainer or in the management of a shipping company.
Is this also something for women?
Shipping as a purely male world? Not at all! Today, more and more women are having a career in the maritime industry, working successfully at many shipping companies in areas such as nautical or ship operating technology departments, as engine plant managers or as captains. The proportion of women at German maritime vocational colleges and universities of applied sciences has risen significantly in recent years.
Are you interested in a career on board? Would you like to know what job profiles there are and what training paths lead to shipping?
Find more information on the following pages.
